Low-code and No-Code – What’s theit?
In the past, you needed specialized knowledge to write lines of code. Today, that has changed fundamentally. You no longer need to be a professional coder or developer to create an application or platform. You can become what’s known as a “citizen developer.” According to Gartner, a citizen developer isan employee who creates applications for their own use or for use by others, using tools that are not actively prohibited by IT or business units. A citizen developer is a persona, not a title or a specific role.
So, with low-code or no-code platforms, amazing things are possible—even without any programming knowledge.
Low-code/no-code platforms, such as Microsoft Power Platform, have revolutionized modern software development. They are transforming app and software development by attracting new users with a low barrier to entry and a flat learning curve. With features such as pre-built templates, simple drag-and-drop functionality, and rapid deployment, Microsoft Power Platform helps users from all disciplines—whether IT teams, business analysts, or citizen developers who are tech-savvy but lack programming skills. Everyone can feel inspired, enthusiastic, and innovative as they learn.
Satisfied employees thanks to technical training
This sense of satisfaction grows even stronger as users continue to embrace these platforms and discover new possibilities. Their user-friendly design delivers an effective and rewarding learning experience that builds confidence even among those without a traditional software background, helping them recognize the value of their work to the team’s success. According torecent Microsoft study ,82 percentof respondents who are low- or no-code users agreed that the technology offers software users the opportunity to improve their development knowledge and technical skills. Furthermore, the use of no-code or low-code platforms or appshas been shownto have a positive impact on users’ job satisfaction and workload in83 percentof cases, andon users’ morale in80 percentof cases.
There is high demand for continuing education opportunities
The learning opportunities offered by low-code or no-code platforms are exactly the kind of professional development today’s workers are looking for. More than 80 percent of users and potential users of low-code or no-code platforms say they would be more likely to work for a company that invests in their technical training.
By leveraging technologies such as the Microsoft Power Platform, business leaders can foster a strong learning culture that engages and develops employees. These benefits also directly address the key priorities of corporate decision-makers: fostering innovation and attracting and retaining talent.
The Path to Employee Retention
The call for investment in employee development is urgent: 71 percentof potential users are more likely to doubt their future at a company that does not invests in their technical skills. Executives and decision-makers must critically assess the opportunities they offer their employees and how they support their IT teams, business analysts, and developers of all backgrounds to turn them into citizen developers who can quickly turn new ideas and concepts into market-ready applications. When it comes to providing meaningful learning opportunities and a clear career path, low-code or no-code development platforms could be the answer they’ve been looking for.
Programming for Everyone
The adoption of low-code or no-code platforms can also help address the gender imbalance in the IT industry. Currently, less than 20 percent of cloud computing professionals are women. This could be due to the fact that many women in the industry—less so than men—feel that their technical skills are up to date; yet the survey found that women are four times more likely to report constraints when purchasing or testing new technologies for their professional growth. Investing in Microsoft Power Platform is one way to support these women in their professional development and promote gender equality within the company.
Lack of awareness of the benefits
If low-code and no-code platforms hold such great potential for corporate culture, why aren’t they being adopted more widely?
An overwhelming majority of decision-makers and users (71 percent and 76 percent, respectively) cite a lack of awareness regarding the potential use cases for Microsoft Power Platform or other programs. Concerns about cybersecurity, as well as the costs and training requirements for employees tasked with maximizing the benefits of these platforms or applications, also top the list of concerns. As with any corporate investment, executives want to be sure they’re getting a meaningful return. The decision to adopt a new development platform will impact employees and processes across the entire organization—a restructuring that must be properly considered and genuinely desired by everyone before it’s implemented.
Once implemented, the results quickly speak for themselves and set an innovation cycle in motion—but the initial investment proves to be an obstacle. Decision-makers are best positioned to know how to steer the decision-making process within their company; they play a key role as intermediaries between users to demonstrate the need for the investment to the company. Given the clear cultural benefits and the success stories of various users, decision-makers have a compelling case for adoption that they can present to senior management.
Collaboration between decision-makers and users is crucial for effective use cases
Decision-makers should also recognize the value of collaborating with developers and low- or no-code users to explore new use cases for the Microsoft Power Platform. Events such as the Microsoft Build are great opportunities to connect with peers, experts, and others from a variety of industries, share success stories, and make a compelling case for investing in low- and no-code platforms. Microsoft Build offers a range of live sessions and other exciting experiences showcasing the latest innovations and tools for a trusted, integrated data platform. So if you have the opportunity to attend such Microsoft events, we highly recommend it.
Employees at all levels and across all departments are looking for a company worth committing to, and demonstrating mutual commitment is a positive indicator of a healthy workplace culture. By leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform and other low-code or no-code development options, decision-makers can foster a loyal, innovative, and inclusive workforce within the organization.
For more information about the methodology and target audience of the Microsoft Low-Code Trend Report, please visit here.
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Sources:
1- The Business Benefits of Gender Diversity, Gallup
2- COVID-19 and gender equality: Countering the regressive effects, McKinsey & Company
3- Low-Code Trend Report 2022: Building a learning culture on a low-code platform
